What's her mistake ? - 29

The car entered the village. It had a nice name. Jaaji. A very fragrant type of jasmine flower. I could make out about 75 houses. There were 4 big houses. All others were very small.  The moment the car was stopped there was a hoard of kids who came running to the car. We had tough time in getting out of the car.

Finally when we got out of the car a middle sized man came near the car. He had folded hands in front of his chest and he was in all smiles. I found that he was looking at Nammu Aunty. She also folded her hands to say ‘Namaste’.

“Come madam. It is years since you have come here. I heard about sir. So sad! But what we can do about what is pre written?” he said and drew imaginary lines on his forehead from left to right using his forefinger of his right hand.

I could see Nammu Aunty becoming dull by his words. I was wondering what to do, but Dammu had taken charge.

“What did you say your name was?” she asked him and after hearing his reply continued, “Tell me one thing sir, how you recognized this madam though she came here after so many years?”

The sadness on Nammu Aunty’s face got mitigated to some extent. She also looked at the person to know his reply.

“What madam! You are asking how I recognized. She is like my mother. I can recognize her kind eyes even if she comes after another two decades!” he said proudly.

Nammu Aunty smiled. The topic had got changed. But I felt bad. Two decades... twenty years... I do hope she will live for another twenty months... at least.

We were introduced to two more leaders of the village. One big guy and a smart lady.

Nammu Aunty took us for a stroll in the village. She showed her hut. It was in a dilapidated condition. The middle sized man was uncomfortable when Nammu Aunty looked at him questioningly.

“Madam, sorry. I made a mistake. I should not have taken the house from you. It is yours. You can use as long as you are alive” he declared.

The statement was made in good intension. But we felt bad, or at least I was feeling bad.

Now we approached a big neem tree under which a square ledge was built which could seat about 10 people around it.

The three people whom we met, who are the leaders of the village were sitting on the ledge. About 20 men and about 30 women were sitting on the ground in front of the ledge. When we reached there was a hush.

The middle sized man was trying to introduce us to the audience. Then Dammu took charge.

“My brothers and sisters, My name is Damayanthi. Do you know this lady?” she asked.

There was a murmur of voices. Nammu Aunty cleared her throat. Everyone looked at her. “You can call me Nammu. The house which is the first one in the first line belonged to us once upon a time. Now, your leader has kindly consented to give it to us again” She said.

I was watching Nammu Aunty. She was feeling a sort of elated. May be it was the weather which was very pleasant. The breeze was making her hair go wavy. There was a glow on her face.

“I want to have 15 minutes of  your precious time. We would like to explain some important things which need to be followed...” she went on for some time.

The people nodded in enthusiasm.

“Madam, only 15 minutes? What things you can teach in just 15 minutes?” asked one girl who was sitting in the front.

“15 minutes every day” said Nammu Aunty.

Dammu and I looked at each other with a surprised look. How will she come all the way here every day to this village? I wondered.